Is flush mounted lighting the only option for a second floor beach unit's long rectangular dining/living space? Currently there are three ceiling fixtures (flush mounted lights) centred through the length of the space. There is no option to change the position of these fixtures. I like pendant lighting but know that where the current light fixture is, the pendants would not be positioned over the dining table and the second fixture is between the dining and lounge space.

Secondly, do the lights need to be the same when they are in the same space or is there a way to tie them altogether and use different ones?

Any suggestions for adding interest/texture to this space in the way of lights would be appreciated.